Interlocking fence

ABSTRACT

A lightweight, do-it-yourself interlocking fence makes use of abutting fence sections that accept at the abutting faces a hidden fence post. A locking piece fits the top of the fence post to complete the appearance of continuity of the fence.

INTERLOCKING FENCE This invention applies to fences and more particularly to fences of modular construction.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a modular construction for fences comprising fence sections, supporting posts and fence-locking members, which` when assembled, presents the appearance of a clean continuous fence in which the supporting posts are concealed. The abutting ends of fence sections are contoured to fit securely around a fence post. A recess at the upper corners of the fence section, exposing the post end, receives a final, smooth fitting piece having a hole that falls into alignment with a hole in the end of the post. A pin fitted into the holes, either incorporated into the design of the fence or made un noticable by blending with the locking piece, completes the rigidity and appearance of the joining sections.

Another object is to provide a modular construction that permits continuity at a fence corner by using the abuttment features at 90 in both fence post and locking piece.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing unit at a fence end that combines an abutting section of short horizontal length with the locking piece. Such an end piece may also be used for supporting gate hinges or the like.

Yet another object is to provide a modular construction for fencing that lends itself to sales and use in kit form and to simple assembly, particularly those unskilled in the mechanical art.

A further object is to provide a modular fence construction that is rugged, lends itself to many materials and designs and to ease of handling particularly with the use of light materials yet can be low in cost.

A still further object is to make disassembly simple in those situations where it is desirable to move the fence, a part of it or to replace a damaged portion.

These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. l is an elevation view ofa wall or fence, according to the invention; v

FIG. 2 is an exploded detail plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 shows a modified form;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a corner post for the wall of FIG. l and 2;

FIG. 5 is a corner view of post for the wall of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view of a wall detail at a wall end showing the design of the end piece for supporting a gate.

Referring to the Figures, generally, and to FIGS. l and 2 in particular, the fence or wall 10 comprises a row of fence units 11, a row of fence posts l2, a locking piece 13 and a locking pin I4.

Fence section l1 shows an upper face 15, a lower face 16 and end faces 17. Post 12 comprises a stern 18, one or two lateral members I9 and at the upper end, a horizontal hole 20. Locking piece 13 has a recess 21 that fits over thc upper end of stem 18. A horizontal hole 22 is located to be in alignment with hole 20 when locking piece I3 is set into a recess 23 created by providing a notch 24 at both upper corners of fence section 1I. As is more clearly seen in FIG. 2` end faces 17 are provided with recesses 25 so that each end face of two fence sections 1l can fit against, and enclose stem 18 so that the end faces abut each other.

The outline of the contacting faces in FIG. l, and as will be seen later in FIG. 6, have been made intentionally heavy in the illustrated embodiment in order to clarify the assembly. In actuality, the meeting faces are made fine enough to be unnoticed except where the line may be used as part of the design. By example, the design at meeting faces 26 and alternately at faces 27, as opposed to faces 28, are made to simulate the general brick outline 29.

Members 19, serving to support post l2 in the ground, may be integral with, or attached to stem 18.

Referring to FIG. 3, an alternate design shows a post 30 to which fence sections 31 are fitted by reversing the geometry seen in FIG. 2. By this means, the post itselft becomes part of the design while contributing a larger cross-section for strength, compared to stem 18.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show by inspection how fence sections l1 and 31, respectively, meet at a corner of a fence or wall.

At the end of a wall or at any point of discontinuity, such as at an entrance gate, an additional member is required.

Referring to FIG. 6, a member 32 has an upper horizontal piece 32a conforming in appearance to locking piece 13. The vertical portion 32b may be finished smooth or provided with attachment means 32C, for example, for hinging a gate 33.

What I now claim is:

I. A modular fence construction comprising; spaced supporting posts, fence sections having a vertical recess at each end thereof, each fence section positioned between two adjacent fence posts with the recess at the end of each fence section receiving a portion of the post to which it is adjacent, notches at each end of the top of the sections for receiving a locking piece, the locking piece having a recessed area in the bottom and being fitted over the top of the post and within the notches of the adjoining sections thus hiding the top of the posts from view, each locking piece and the top of the post having matching horizontal holes receiving a locking pin, the end fence section being provided with a terminal locking piece having a vertical extention which is adapted to be fitted with gate hooks, the vertical extension having a vertical recess for cooperation with the adjacent vertical recess of the end fence section for receiving the end post, the fence being light weight whereby an entire section may be easily re moved when necessary and replaced with no damage to the fence or any part thereof.

2. A fence construction according to claim 1, saidv locking piece and the top of the post.

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1. A modular fence construction comprising; spaced supporting posts, fence sections having a vertical recess at each end thereof, each fence section positioned between two adjacent fence posts with the recess at the end of each fence section receiving a portion of the post to which it is adjacent, notches at each end of the top of the sections for receiving a locking piece, the locking piece having a recessed area in the bottom and being fitted over the top of the post and within the notches of the adjoining sections thus hiding the top of the posts from view, each locking piece and the top of the post having matching horizontal holes receiving a locking pin, the end fence section being provided with a terminal locking piece having a vertical extention which is adapted to be fitted with gate hooks, the vertical extension having a vertical recess for cooperation with the adjacent vertical recess of the end fence section for receiving the end post, the fence being light weight whereby an entire section may be easily removed when necessary and replaced with no damage to the fence or any part thereof.
 2. A fence construction according to claim 1, said fence sections being dimensioned so as to slide into place between posts so that the posts become invisible and the fence sections fit flush as seen from either side.
 3. A fence construction according to claim 1, whereby said posts are constructed of metal pipe or the like and the bottom of the posts have lateral flanges to eliminate the need for setting the posts in concrete.
 4. A fence construction according to claim 1, whereby the terminal piece is locked in place with a locking pin being inserted into horizontal holes in the locking piece and the top of the post. 